As the UAE prepares to celebrate Dhanteras and Diwali, gold is once again taking centre stage, driven by its cultural significance and continued relevance in investment portfolios. With global gold prices responding to economic uncertainty, currency movements and shifting interest rate expectations, the festive season also provides an opportunity to examine how investors are approaching the precious metal beyond traditional purchases.
Investor sentiment toward gold remains broadly constructive, and the recent price correction could attract fresh buying ahead of seasonal demand around Dhanteras and Diwali. Beyond festive purchases, global demand continues to be supported by strong central-bank accumulation, reflecting sustained interest in gold as a safe-haven asset and portfolio diversifier. Short-term volatility may persist, but structural demand drivers, including central-bank buying, underpin the broader investment case.
While physical gold remains closely associated with wealth preservation and prosperity during Dhanteras, investors today have access to a wider range of financial instruments, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs), digital gold and gold-linked Contracts for Difference (CFDs). These alternatives offer different ways to participate in gold markets, although they vary significantly in terms of ownership, risk and investment objectives.
Against this backdrop, Century Financial, one of the oldest UAE-based investment services firms, has introduced its Complimentary Gold CFD Campaign 2026, offering eligible clients a complimentary gold-linked trading position credited to their trading accounts. The initiative reflects the growing availability of financial instruments that provide exposure to gold price movements without requiring investors to purchase or store physical gold.
Under its Complimentary Gold CFD Campaign 2026, eligible new clients and existing clients with inactive or unfunded accounts who meet the qualifying requirements receive units of Century Financial’s Gold Gram CFD. The position is credited separately to their trading accounts as a margin-free, tradable instrument. The minimum funding amount is 2000 USD in order to qualify for the campaign.
Unlike physical gold, a CFD does not provide ownership of the underlying metal. Instead, it is a derivative instrument whose value is linked to movements in gold prices, with gains or losses settled financially. Such instruments carry market risks and should be understood in the context of an investor’s financial objectives and risk appetite.
Commenting on the initiative, Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer at Century Financial, said: “Gold continues to hold a distinctive place in the UAE, particularly during Dhanteras and Diwali, when it carries both cultural and financial significance. But the investment conversation around it is gradually evolving. Beyond its traditional association with prosperity, investors are increasingly looking at gold through the lens of portfolio diversification, global economic developments and market opportunities. However, not all forms of gold exposure serve the same purpose. Physical gold, ETFs and CFDs differ in their structures, risks and intended uses. For investors, understanding these distinctions is important, particularly in a market where global developments can influence gold prices significantly over short periods.”
With over 37 years of industry experience, Century Financial continues to build awareness of evolving investment opportunities, using the campaign to engage audiences during the festive season and highlight alternative ways to gain exposure to gold markets. The campaign is available for a limited period, subject to eligibility requirements and applicable terms and conditions. Please register on the below link to participate in the campaign: https://www.century.ae/en/get-your-free-gold/.
